Two suspects are being quizzed over a one-punch attack which left a man clinging to life. The men, in their 20s, were arrested following the assault on Michael Cunningham in Newcastle's Bigg Market on Saturday night.

Mr Cunningham, 27, of Gateshead, remains in a critical condition in Newcastle General Hospital intensive care with a fractured skull.

He had been defending his girlfriend from insults hurled by three yobs sitting on a bench.

The couple were walking past the City Vaults bar when the derogatory remarks were directed at the young woman.

When Mr Cunningham told them it was out of order, one confronted him and hit him in the face.

Mr Cunningham was left unconscious as his distraught female companion cried for help.

Staff from the bar assisted the stricken man and he was taken by ambulance to hospital.

Det Insp Lee Buzzeo, of Newcastle CID, today said: "Inquiries led to the arrest of two Newcastle men yesterday on suspicion of assault. They will be questioned further.

"We still need to hear from anyone who has information about the incident or who was in the area of the Bigg Market at around 8.40pm that night to come forward.

"They may have vital information about the attacker's identity."

Det Insp Buzzeo said Mr Cunningham's condition is being monitored and is still causing concern.

He added: "This was a vicious attack on a man who was protecting his girlfriend from taunts.

"The victim didn't like what they were saying and told them to cut it out. But he was knocked to the ground."

A number of one-punch attacks across Tyneside have had fatal consequences.

Mr Cunningham is understood to have suffered a blood clot to the brain.

He was put on a life support machine and his distraught mother and grandfather are waiting for signs of his condition improving.

CCTV footage from around the city centre is being viewed. The men are thought to have walked off towards Grainger Street after the attack.

The attacker is believed to have been in his 20s, around 6ft, stocky, and wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and jeans.